Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope and Aimee Molloy

One of my deepest desires is to make a difference...in my family, in my church, in my community, in the world. If you've ever dreamed of making a difference, this book is for you!


Jantsen's Gift is the story of a woman who seemingly has it all...a great family, a job she loves, and a beautiful home, yet she is plagued by an internal restlessness, a desire for more. In the first few chapters, Pam shares the devastating loss of her 15 year old son, Jantsen, to an undiagnosed heart ailment. Crippled by grief, Pam struggled to complete even the simplest of tasks.

Pam was pulled out of her downward spiral when her family traveled to Vietnam over Thanksgiving to see an orphanage her family was considering as a recipient of Jantsen's Memorial Fund. On that trip, Pam saw the devastating needs of children in Asia. She was awakened to the horrors of slavery and child trafficking. She saw first hand how devastating it can be for a child to live in an orphanage, without even basic necessities. This trip was the catalyst Pam needed to not only get her life back, but also to change the lives of others. Pam went on to start Touch A Life Foundation and rescue children in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ghana. She also adopted 2 kids from Vietnam during the process.

This book is a story of hope...of triumph over tragedy...of one mom who makes an incredible difference. As an adoptive mom, I have seen the difference hope and security can make in the life of a child. When kids don't have to worry about where their next meal will come from, where they will sleep, and if they will be safe, they can focus on learning, making friends, and reaching their potential!

If you have ever dreamed of making a difference in the life of a child, this book is for you. Read it with a box of tissues nearby...you'll need them! If you'd like to read more, visit Hachette Book Group or check out the Open Book widget in the sidebar of this blog. If you're part of a book club, check out the Reading Group Guide! This book can also be purchased on Amazon for $18.24.

(Disclosure: I was provided with this book, free of charge, by Hachette Book Group, in conjunction with Mama Buzz. All opinions expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the free book!)